Ukraine War Live Ticker +++ 14:56 US Envoy Kellogg Responds to Putin: 30 Days of Ceasefire, Then Negotiations
U.S. Special Envoy Delivers Message to Putin at 14:56: Kellogg's Communication to the Russian Leader
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The US Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has responded to Russian President Putin's proposal for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine. "As President Trump has repeatedly said: Stop the killing!! First, an unconditional 30-day ceasefire and during this time comprehensive peace talks. Not the other way around," Kellogg tweets. Putin had explained to journalists that he was ready for "serious negotiations without preconditions" and proposed to start them "as early as next week" (see also entry 01:19 am).
Chancellor Merz, French President Macron, and Ukrainian President Selenskyj have also rejected talks without a ceasefire (see entries 13:01, 11:45, and 11:27 am).
14:23 Munz: "Putin has sent three messages"
Kremlin chief Putin reacts to the move from Kyiv with a midnight statement. In it, he sends three messages, as explained by ntv correspondent Rainer Munz in Moscow. Some of it reminds of Russian positions that have been around for three years. A message to US President Trump is also possible.
Unfiltered Warroom: Munz Details Putin's Messages
13:58 Erdogan Wants to Arrange Meeting Between Ukraine and Russia
Turkey is ready to arrange the direct peace talks with Ukraine proposed by Russia. This was confirmed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron, as reported by Erdogan's communications director. Turkey is ready to make any contribution to achieve a ceasefire and lasting peace - including arranging negotiations.
13:25 Security Expert: Putin Probably Just Playing Games
After the joint appeal by Ukraine and the "Coalition of the Willing" to Moscow to lay low for 30 days, Putin offers direct talks with Kyiv. However, this may just be a tactical ploy by the Kremlin, warns security expert Frank Umbach.
Sources and Skepticism: Umbach on Putin's Offer
13:01 Merz Also Says: No Negotiations Without Ceasefire
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has again called on the Russian president to agree to a ceasefire from Monday: "If the Russian side now signals willingness to talk, that is initially a good sign. But it is far from sufficient," Merz says, referring to statements by Vladimir Putin. "We expect Moscow to now agree to a ceasefire that can actually enable talks. First, the guns must fall silent, then talks can begin."
12:28 Ukraine Reports 100 Russian Drone Attacks in Sumy
In the past 24 hours, Russian forces have carried out more than 100 attacks in the Sumy region with guided bombs, multiple rocket launchers, and drones, according to Ukrainian reports. The regional military administration of Sumy reported on social media "over 100 attacks on 31 inhabited areas in 14 district communities of the region."
12:00 Kremlin: Ukraine violated ceasefire over 14,000 times
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Ukraine has violated the short-lived two-day ceasefire declared by President Vladimir Putin over 14,000 times. Additionally, Ukrainian troops have attempted to advance in southern Russia five times. Ukraine also accuses Russia of not adhering to the ceasefire. The ceasefire was supposed to last from May 8 during the celebrations in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. However, the Russian army did not adhere to it, according to Ukrainian reports, and fighting on the front lines continued.
11:45 Zelenskyy Wants to Negotiate - with a Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed his readiness to negotiate with Russia but demands that Moscow adhere to a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday. "There is no point in continuing the killing for even one more day," Zelenskyy tweets. "We expect Russia to agree to a comprehensive, consistent, and reliable ceasefire starting tomorrow, May 12." If Russia agrees, Ukraine is ready to meet.
11:27 Macron Also Insists: No Negotiations Without Ceasefire
After Russia's offer to negotiate with Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron, like Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, insists on a prior ceasefire. "There can be no negotiations as long as weapons are speaking. There can be no dialogue when civilians are being bombed at the same time," Macron tweeted on the X platform.
11:14 CDU Politician Kiesewetter: Putin is only stalling
CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter sees Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposal for direct talks with Ukraine as a "stalling tactic". The acid test for Putin, Kiesewetter told Reuters news agency, is whether he agrees to the demand for a 30-day ceasefire. "Direct negotiations - what should the subject be? Return of the abducted children? Handling of people in the areas occupied by Russia?" he asks. The Russian attacks on Kyiv and Pokrovsk have resumed with unexpected ferocity. "It is Putin's actions that count, not his words."
10:33 Political Scientist: Putin isn't just pushing Trump back
Political scientist Klemens Fischer believes that the "G3 plus" ceasefire initiative has actually achieved something: it has put "such pressure on Moscow that Putin had to react". This may now give Ukrainian President Zelenskyy an opportunity that he has not had for years.
10:19 Trump: "Big Week Ahead"
US President Donald Trump expresses optimism that an end to the fighting in the Ukraine war may be approaching. "Potentially a big day for Russia and Ukraine," he writes on his online platform Truth Social amidst recent diplomatic efforts. "Think of the hundreds of thousands of lives that could be saved if this endless 'bloodbath' hopefully comes to an end." Looking at Russia's proposal to negotiate in Istanbul on Thursday, Trump writes, "A big week ahead!" Putin's initiative is viewed critically by other Western supporters. The Kremlin chief does not address Ukraine's proposal for a ceasefire but suggests renewed negotiations while fighting continues at the front. Many security experts see this as a diversionary tactic. Ukraine's proposed 30-day unconditional ceasefire would begin tomorrow.
9:58 Ukraine: 1310 Russian Losses Since Yesterday
In the past 24 hours, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Army reported 1310 losses on the Russian side. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Russian army has suffered 965,890 wounded or killed, according to this count. Additionally, 124 enemy tanks, 166 armored combat vehicles, 18 artillery systems, 32 multiple rocket launchers, 7200 mortars, and 167 aircraft have been destroyed.
9:27 Macron: Putin's Offer Not Enough
French President Emmanuel Macron considers Russia's proposal for direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine "not sufficient." An unconditional ceasefire is a prerequisite for any negotiations, Macron says on his return from a visit to Kyiv with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. With this proposal, Russian President Vladimir Putin aims to "gain time," Macron says, despite Putin having "moved" with the suggestion, it is a diversionary tactic. Putin proposed direct talks between Russia and Ukraine last night, to take place in Istanbul starting next week.
Beyond the Headlines: Macron's Stance on Putin's Offer
9:18 Attacks on Kupjansk from the Air
The Donbass city of Kupjansk was attacked multiple times by the Russian army from the air on Saturday. Two civilians were injured. There were also air strikes around the city. Just ten days ago, Russia heavily attacked Kupjansk from the air, destroying a corporate building where two people were buried under the rubble. The body of one of the men was only recovered a week later during cleanup efforts.
8:54 Soldier Fights Back to the Front with One Leg
Every day, soldiers die in Ukraine fighting against the Russian invasion. The grief of their families is endless. However, the dire personnel situation of the Ukrainian army also drives some who survive seriously injured back into the danger zone. Nicolai is one of them, ntv reporter Kavita Sharma met him.
A Soldier's Story: Nicolai's Return to the Front Line
8:38 Ukraine Reports 161 Engagements Since Yesterday
Since yesterday, there have been 161 engagements on the front line, with 60 in the Pokrovsk sector, according to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. They report that the Russians carried out 63 air strikes on Ukrainian positions and populated areas, dropping 96 guided bombs. They also conducted over 4000 shellings, including 85 with multiple rocket launchers, and deployed 2,470 kamikaze drones.
8:21 Russia Resumes Drone Attacks on Ukraine After Ceasefire
Russia has resumed its drone attacks on Ukraine, according to reports from Kyiv. The capital and several regions, including Odessa, Kharkiv, and Dnipropetrovsk, reported increased air alerts and drone attacks overnight and this morning. No damage was immediately reported. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko urged residents to seek shelter in bunkers.
Drones Attack Kyiv: Russia Launches Drone Attack Wave on Ukraine
7:22 Trump: Will Continue Working with Kyiv and Moscow
US President Donald Trump says he will continue to work with both Ukraine and Russia to end the Ukraine war. "I will continue to work with both sides to ensure this happens," he said on his Truth Social platform.
5:46 Klitschko Reports Russian Drone Attack on Kyiv
Kyiv's air defense systems are trying to repel a Russian drone attack, according to the city's mayor, Vitali Klitschko. The attack comes hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed direct talks with Ukraine for May 15 in Istanbul.
4:45 Injured in Air Strikes on Kupjansk
Three civilians were injured in another series of Russian air strikes on the Kupjansk district in the Kharkiv region, according to the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, citing the Kharkiv region's prosecutor's office. In the past 24 hours, six more people were injured in Russian attacks in the Kharkiv region, including an 11-year-old boy.
Ground Zero: Kupjansk Under Siege
3:38 Sanctions to Target Russia's Energy and Banking Sector
European and American leaders have pushed Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine starting Monday. After a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Stamer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Kyiv, the five leaders issued a joint statement outlining the sanctions that would be imposed on Russia if it rejects the ceasefire: "The nations agreed that if Russia rejects a full and unconditional ceasefire, stricter sanctions should be imposed on the Russian banking and energy sectors, targeting fossil fuels, oil, and the shadow fleet," the statement said. "An unconditional ceasefire by definition cannot have conditions." If Russia imposes such conditions, it can only be seen as an attempt to prolong the war and undermine diplomacy." Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has since offered direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv without preconditions (see entry at 01:19).
2:15 Report: US Approves Germany's Delivery of 125 Long-Range Rockets and 100 Patriots to Ukraine
The US has approved Germany's plan to deliver 125 long-range artillery rockets and 100 Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, the New York Times reports. The weapons, manufactured in the US, cannot be exported without the US government's approval, even by a country to which they belong. A US congressional official told the newspaper that Washington gave the green light for the weapons delivery to Kyiv.
1:19 May 15 in Istanbul: Putin Proposes Direct Talks with Ukraine
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has proposed direct talks between Russia and Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul. Russia is ready for "serious negotiations without preconditions" and proposes to start them "as early as next week," the Russian president says before journalists in the Kremlin. "We do not rule out the possibility of agreeing on a new ceasefire in these talks," he adds, without directly mentioning the previous demand by Ukraine and its allies for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire starting Monday. "It was not Russia that broke off the negotiations in 2022. It was Kyiv," Putin says, referring to the failed talks shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. "Our proposal is on the table, the decision now lies with the Ukrainian authorities and their curators, who seem to be guided by their personal political ambitions rather than the interests of their people."
Déjà vu: Maximum Pressure on Ukraine as Putin Offers Talks
12:05am Kremlin: Ukraine violated ceasefire over 14,000 times
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, Ukraine has violated the short-lived two-day ceasefire declared by President Vladimir Putin over 14,000 times. Additionally, Ukrainian troops have attempted to advance five times in southern Russia since the ceasefire began. Ukraine also accuses Russia of not adhering to the ceasefire. The ceasefire was supposed to last from May 8 during the celebrations in Moscow marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany. However, the Russian army did not observe it, according to Ukrainian reports, and fighting on the front lines continued.
Unending Conflict: War Rages as Ceasefire Crumbles
- The Russian proposition for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine without a prior ceasefire, as recommended by Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, among others, has been rejected.
- Two civilians were injured in multiple air strikes on the Donbass city of Kupjansk by the Russian army, as reported by Ukrainian reports in the early morning of May 15.
- As a diplomatic response to Russia's proposal for talks, Turkey is willing to arrange direct peace talks with Ukraine, a decision confirmed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in separate phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron.
- In the aftermath of the failed 2022 negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed reluctance to engage in further talks without a confirmed 30-day unconditional ceasefire, as indicated by his tweet: "We expect Russia to agree to a comprehensive, consistent, and reliable ceasefire starting tomorrow, May 12."
